Review of Crime Wave (1953) by Brad G — 22 Sep 2010
"Think about that wife of yours Steve. You can't afford to make any mistakes." The cops and robbers of Crime Wave are top notch. James Bell as the gang leader is smarmy and delightfully, villainously cocky.
Charles Bronson (billed here under his real name Charles Buchinsky) is stone, and in the opening gas station robbery he is scary tough. Sterling Hayden's cop is hard too. Barking morality, spitting disgust at Gene Nelson's back-against-a-wall stooge.
And the film is beautifully lit...or not lit. It's noir dark. Gorgeous. But Crime Wave isn't much of a crime wave. One robbery, and a bank job. And the lead, Gene Nelson is kinda a bore. Entertaining for the side players and its direction, but the story leaves something to be desired.
VF.
This review of Crime Wave (1953) was written by Brad G on 22 Sep 2010.
Crime Wave has generally received positive reviews.
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